Melasma Managed with Care

A Calmer Way to Treat Melasma

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Long-Term Melasma Control, Not Quick Fixes

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Merrion Melasma Treatment Program Oakville – A Gentle, Long-Term Approach

Q: Why does melasma need a different approach to other types of pigmentation?

Melasma is highly sensitive to heat, light, and irritation , and can rebound if treated too aggressively. This is why the program is specifically designed to be gentle, layered, and low-inflammatory , focusing on stability and long-term control.

Q: How important is home skincare for melasma?

Very important. Skincare that supports the barrier, pigment regulation, and sun protection is essential. Before starting laser, Dr. Kate will optimise your routine with melasma-appropriate products so your skin is better prepared and more responsive to treatment.

Q: Will melasma go away completely?

Melasma is a chronic condition , so it’s more accurate to think in terms of management and control rather than cure. Many patients see significant improvement in brightness and evenness, but ongoing maintenance and sun protection are crucial.

Q: How often will I need maintenance after the 6 sessions?

Maintenance needs vary. Some patients benefit from periodic top-up treatments and ongoing at-home care. This will be discussed with you as part of your long-term melasma management plan.

Melasma is a chronic pigment condition that often appears as diffuse, patchy brown or grey-brown areas on the face. It tends to be triggered or worsened by sun exposure, heat, hormonal changes, and inflammation, and can easily flare if treated too aggressively.

The Merrion Melasma Control Program has been designed by Dr. Kate Healy as a low-inflammatory, stabilising protocol that aims to:

Improve the overall brightness and evenness of melasma-prone skin
Support long-term pigment control
Minimise the risk of rebound and flare-ups

What Is the Merrion Melasma Control Program?

This is a six-session, doctor-led series tailored specifically for melasma.

Rather than aiming for a rapid “erase,” the program focuses on:

Stabilising pigment activity
Supporting the skin barrier
Gradually improving clarity and tone

It is intended to work alongside a melasma-specific homecare routine, which is optimised before and during the treatment series.

How the Melasma Control Program Works

Gentle Laser Resurfacing

Laser settings are carefully calibrated to provide light, controlled resurfacing. The goals are to:

Help regulate pigment activity
Encourage more even skin turnover
Improve overall clarity without provoking inflammation

This is a slow-and-steady approach, designed with the sensitivity of melasma in mind.

Targeted Serum Delivery

The laser creates tiny microchannels that allow pigment-regulating and brightening serums to be delivered more effectively into the skin.

These serums are chosen to:

Support balanced melanin production
Calm inflammation
Improve the look of diffuse, patchy pigmentation

Ingredients such as tranexamic acid, vitamin C, and resveratrol are used at different stages to support both pigment control and skin resilience.

Soothing Cooling Mask

After each session, a cooling mask is applied to:

Settle warmth in the skin
Reduce redness
Enhance comfort post-treatment

You will also be provided with a cooling mask for use at home as part of your ongoing melasma control plan.

Treatment Summary

Treatment time

30 - 60 minutes in total

Duration of results

Discomfort level

Generally mild; warmth or prickling may be felt

Anaesthetic

Typically not required

Down time

Usually minimal; mild pinkness may be present for a few hours

Skin types

Many skin types, following assessment by Dr. Kate

Appointments

6

Starting cost

$3,900.00 CAD

Merrion Medical Aesthetics Oakville Founder

Dr. Kate Healy

“Melasma is a long-term condition, so our goal is control and stability, not aggressive over-treatment. When we respect the skin’s limits and work gently, we can achieve meaningful, lasting improvement.”

Frequently Asked Questions

By Dr. Kate Healy, MD — Medical Director, Merrion Medical Aesthetics (Oakville).
Editorial transparency: content reflects Dr. Kate Healy’s medical practice and current aesthetics guidelines. For personalized advice, book a consult.

Why does melasma need a different approach to other types of pigmentation?

Melasma is highly sensitive to heat, light, and irritation, and can rebound if treated too aggressively. This is why the program is specifically designed to be gentle, layered, and low-inflammatory, focusing on stability and long-term control.

How important is home skincare for melasma?

Very important. Skincare that supports the barrier, pigment regulation, and sun protection is essential. Before starting laser, Dr. Kate will optimise your routine with melasma-appropriate products so your skin is better prepared and more responsive to treatment.

Will melasma go away completely?

Melasma is a chronic condition, so it’s more accurate to think in terms of management and control rather than cure. Many patients see significant improvement in brightness and evenness, but ongoing maintenance and sun protection are crucial.

Can I have this treatment if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

Certain active ingredients and treatments are not appropriate during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Dr. Kate will review your medical history and current circumstances and may delay or modify treatment if needed for safety.

How often will I need maintenance after the 6 sessions?

Maintenance needs vary. Some patients benefit from periodic top-up treatments and ongoing at-home care. This will be discussed with you as part of your long-term melasma management plan.

Do I need to stop my current skincare routine before melasma treatment?

Most of your skincare routine can continue, but certain active ingredients should be paused 3-7 days before laser or chemical treatments to minimize sensitivity and reduce the risk of complications.

Temporarily pause:

Retinoids and retinol (prescription and over-the-counter)
Alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic) and beta hydroxy acids (salicylic)
Vitamin C serums at high concentrations
Prescription brightening agents like hydroquinone (unless directed otherwise)

Continue using:

Gentle cleansers and moisturizers
Mineral sunscreen (SPF 30+ daily, non-negotiable)
Hyaluronic acid and peptide serums
Barrier-support ingredients like ceramides and niacinamide

We will give you specific pre-treatment instructions based on the procedure planned. After treatment, you'll gradually reintroduce active ingredients as your skin heals, typically starting 5-7 days post-procedure. We'll provide a detailed timeline and product recommendations tailored to your treatment plan during your consultation.

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